AN additional $4 million in funding has been committed by the NSW Government to deliver critical new infrastructure for drinking water in Narrabri.
The funding will deliver a portable water treatment plant to treat water from two PFAS-contaminated bores to a level that meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
It will also support the investigation and delivery of new production bores to significantly increase town water supply.
PFAS was found in two of the town’s three bores in November last year and Narrabri Shire Council introduced water restrictions in early October when water demand increased.
In response to dropping reservoir levels, the NSW Government provided Council with $50,000 in emergency funding to deliver a new pump for the town’s operating bore, while working towards a long-term solution.
The new portable plant is expected to be up and running in a few months and will treat raw water from Narrabri’s existing bores to meet safe drinking water guidelines.
It is the same system currently being used at Sydney Water’s Cascade Water Treatment Plant in the Blue Mountains.
Combined with the newly-installed pump, the portable plant will boost water supply for Narrabri’s 7000 residents while the NSW Government works closely with Council to look at converting two new test bores at Saleyards and Logan Lane into production bores.
Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the support received from both the NSW Government and Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.
“We have been navigating this issue for over a year, so it is pleasing to see Minister Jackson has listened to our concerns and recognised the need for urgent support,” Cr Tiemens said.
The portable treatment plant will allow Council to bring the Tibbereena Street and Killarney Street bores back online, ensuring water from these sources can be safely treated before entering the network.
“I would like to thank the Minister for prioritising this matter and thank our local member, Roy Butler MP, for his support,” Cr Tiemens said.
Council’s general manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the funding would help restore flexibility and resilience to Narrabri’s water supply system.
“This investment gives us options that we simply haven’t had in recent months,” Ms Chaplain said.
“We’ll be able to treat water from the affected bores, draw from new bores, and – most importantly – ensure that if any of our sources experience PFAS or other water quality issues in future, we have the ability to safely treat the water before it reaches our community.”
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said work has started to find alternative bore sites that are free of PFAS.
“This funding will support that work, putting Narrabri in a stronger position to manage its water supplies,” Ms Jackson said.
“I was very clear that we would go the extra mile to help Narrabri respond to the PFAS issue and secure a more reliable water supply.
“I recognise water restrictions have a big impact on residents, which is why we moved quickly to find a solution.
“We already put $50,000 on the table last month to fund a larger pump and now we are investing up to $4 million to get a mobile treatment plant up and running,” she said.
Ms Chaplain said Council must also consider the ongoing operational costs associated with new infrastructure.
“Council will ensure costs associated with this medium-term solution, such as the disposal of extracted PFAS, are minimised whilst remaining compliant,” she said.
Council will provide a further update to the community once all relevant funding documentation has been received and a project timeline confirmed.
Level 3 water restrictions will remain in place until the portable treatment plant is operational.
